1 Community in Sparks
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Overview
Sparks is a medium-sized city in Washoe County, Nevada, and is a part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Area. Its prime location and sunny weather has made it a desirable option for retirees. Besides that, the city is home to a vibrant downtown, and a tight-knit neighborly feel, with many historical nature sites and landmarks to explore.
Climate & Geography
Sparks is a city of Nevada just east of Reno. Summers are sunny and humid, while winters are short and mild. Residents of Sparks can expect less rain than the national average and over 200 sunny days a year.
Sparks offers the amenities of a big city, while still being home to many natural areas such as forest preserves and mountains, which surround the city. The Truckee River flows through the city and into Pyramid Lake.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Residents take advantage of the warm weather and outdoor activities Sparks has to offer. These include Wild Island Family Adventure Park, a large waterpark for the whole family and Sparks Marina Park, popular for canoeing, waterboarding, hiking, and more.
Sparks is also known for its vibrant downtown. Locals love going to different restaurants, shopping outlets, and casinos. The popular casinos include Nugget Casino Resort, Rail City Casino, and Dotty’s Casino. The city is also home to a number of museums, antique shops, and breweries.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Sparks is higher than national and state averages. This is due to the housing cost which is significantly higher than the national averages. Other costs, such as transportation and groceries, are higher when compared nationwide, but the cost of utilities are lower.
Nevada is one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees. There is no tax on Social Security benefits and retirement income. Estate and inheritance incomes are untaxed as well. The sales tax of Nevada is 4.6 percent, and Sparks adds a 3.65 percent tax on that rate.
Health Care
There are two highly ranked medical centers and hospitals located within six miles of Sparks. They are Renown Regional Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center-Reno. Renown Regional Medical Center is regionally ranked and ranked high performing in three adult procedures/conditions. St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center-Reno is ranked high performing in heart failure.